How well do the Jaguars match up with the Patriots? (1 Viewer)

[Ghost Rider]

I think many would say that the Colts are probably the only team in the AFC that could realistically go into Foxboro in January and win, but what about the Jaguars? They have the things that are needed to be able to beat the Patriots:

-a great running game

-A QB who does not make many mistakes

-A great pass rush

-mentally tough

-well coached

And after winning in the ugly weather in Pittsburgh, we now know that they are not some typical Florida team who will wilt when playing a winter game in bad weather.

It will be tough for Jacksonville to have to win a game on the road in the first round and then have to win in New England in the 2nd round, which is likely what they would have to do, but like I said, I think they are the only other team, besides Indy, that has a realistic chance at beating the Patriots in the playoffs.

 

[twitch]

I agree that outside of the Colts, they pose the best matchup. They dont have quite the same dangerous downfield passing threat that Indy has. So covering the entire field is much tougher against Indy. But NE will love to slug it out against these boys. And especially considering that theyve yet to play them, Im personally hoping for that matchup because Jacksonville is the only AFC playoff team NE is yet to beat. Nothing like earning it the old fashioned way. Beating every good team out there.

 

[Warpig]

I'm tellin ya...once you take Brady out of the equation...the Pats are not as dominant. I'm a Jags fan and I think you gotta do something unorthodox to attack that NE offense.

I'd come out with 2 or 3 downlinemen on the defense and 8 - 9 DB's (maybe 2 of your most athletic LB's). If you can double team each of their WR's when they come out and try to spread you out, I like my chances. They don't want to run the ball...so make them run the ball! Slow the game down and make them one dimensional. You know Randy Moss and Stallworth don't wanna block all day so that would probably have a mental toll on them.

Come up with various blitzes to keep the offense honest and let Brady know you're still coming.

The Jags offense is very capable of moving the ball against them. They gotta find a way to take NE out of their comfort zone though.

My defensive plan probably sounds crazy to most...but I'm sure that's the same way people thought when the 3-4 defense was first shown. It's all about giving different looks.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I agree that outside of the Colts, they pose the best matchup. They dont have quite the same dangerous downfield passing threat that Indy has.

Agreed, although the Jaguars have hit some long TD receptions this year, but the threat isn't that strong in general.

I'm tellin ya...once you take Brady out of the equation...the Pats are not as dominant. I'm a Jags fan and I think you gotta do something unorthodox to attack that NE offense.I'd come out with 2 or 3 downlinemen on the defense and 8 - 9 DB's (maybe 2 of your most athletic LB's). If you can double team each of their WR's when they come out and try to spread you out, I like my chances. They don't want to run the ball...so make them run the ball! Slow the game down and make them one dimensional. You know Randy Moss and Stallworth don't wanna block all day so that would probably have a mental toll on them. Come up with various blitzes to keep the offense honest and let Brady know you're still coming.The Jags offense is very capable of moving the ball against them. They gotta find a way to take NE out of their comfort zone though.My defensive plan probably sounds crazy to most...but I'm sure that's the same way people thought when the 3-4 defense was first shown. It's all about giving different looks.

The Patriots would run all over the Jaguars (or anyone) if they came at them with that kind of defense. Oh, and saying that the Patriots aren't as dominant if you take Brady out of the equation is kind of like saying that the Bulls weren't as dominant if you took Jordan out of the equation! But Brady IS part of the equation, not to mention being the best player in the league, so you have to deal with him.

 

[twitch]

I'm tellin ya...once you take Brady out of the equation...the Pats are not as dominant. I'm a Jags fan and I think you gotta do something unorthodox to attack that NE offense.I'd come out with 2 or 3 downlinemen on the defense and 8 - 9 DB's (maybe 2 of your most athletic LB's). If you can double team each of their WR's when they come out and try to spread you out, I like my chances. They don't want to run the ball...so make them run the ball! Slow the game down and make them one dimensional. You know Randy Moss and Stallworth don't wanna block all day so that would probably have a mental toll on them. Come up with various blitzes to keep the offense honest and let Brady know you're still coming.The Jags offense is very capable of moving the ball against them. They gotta find a way to take NE out of their comfort zone though.My defensive plan probably sounds crazy to most...but I'm sure that's the same way people thought when the 3-4 defense was first shown. It's all about giving different looks.

Taking Brady out of the equation would be some genius gameplanning. But that's a gameplan mother nature is more responsible for than any one team. Jacksonville need not worry about NE right now. Theyre probably gonna have to go back up to Pittsburgh or out to San Diego to make it to NE. But at this point, the Jags have beaten both of those teams, so I guess you'd have to like their chances. I dont personally.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

There is a popular theme out there that as soon as the Patriots play a strong team or a team with a strong running game in the playoffs, particularly in the presence of "wintry mix" (the new fashionable buzzword here at footballguys), they are done.

To which I say: get real.

The Jaguars made the long overdue decision to get rid of Leftwich, a monumental HACK, at the beginning of the season and it has paid dividends. However, people need to keep in mind that the wide receiving corps is still a collection of scrubs, but more importantly the coaching staff hasn't proved anything in terms of playoffs play-calling. I would recommend that interested parties consult Jacksonville's recent playoff history before concluding that the Patriots have anything to worry about as far as Jacksonville is concerned come playoff time.

Have you noticed that the Patriots don't care if a runningback (or backs) rushes for 200 yards in a game? That's because yards don't equal points. The Patriots have been running bend don't break defense for years now, but some folks keep wanting to play the "NE can't defend the run" card.

My bottom line is that here is a list of the likely playoff teams in order of how much of a challenge they present for the Patriots:

1. Indy

2. Bolts

3. Steelers

4. Browns

5. Jags

As you can see, I don't think much of Del Rio, Mike Tice, etc.

 

[Warpig]

The Patriots would run all over the Jaguars (or anyone) if they came at them with that kind of defense.

Oh, and saying that the Patriots aren't as dominant if you take Brady out of the equation is kind of like saying that the Bulls weren't as dominant if you took Jordan out of the equation! But Brady IS part of the equation, not to mention being the best player in the league, so you have to deal with him.

See...this is what I'm not so sure of. The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego. If you force the Pats to run, you are taking them out of their comfort zone...and in a sense, you win. Obviously, if you are fortunate to play the Pats in a wintry, blustery day, you probably wouldn't need to come out in a defense that I mentioned above. Mother nature would more than likely take Brady out of his zone...as was displayed against the Jets this past weekend.

 

[David Yudkin]

The Patriots would run all over the Jaguars (or anyone) if they came at them with that kind of defense.

Oh, and saying that the Patriots aren't as dominant if you take Brady out of the equation is kind of like saying that the Bulls weren't as dominant if you took Jordan out of the equation! But Brady IS part of the equation, not to mention being the best player in the league, so you have to deal with him.

See...this is what I'm not so sure of. The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego. If you force the Pats to run, you are taking them out of their comfort zone...and in a sense, you win. Obviously, if you are fortunate to play the Pats in a wintry, blustery day, you probably wouldn't need to come out in a defense that I mentioned above. Mother nature would more than likely take Brady out of his zone...as was displayed against the Jets this past weekend.

And at no point was New England in any danger of losing or behind in the Jets game.Sure, any team could beat the Pats if everything fell into place. But how is JAX constructed all that differently than PIT? NE BLEW OUT the Jags a couple years ago in the playoffs in Foxboro. I doubt people would suggest that the 07 Pats are worse than the 05 pats.

 

[MDSkinner]

The Patriots would run all over the Jaguars (or anyone) if they came at them with that kind of defense.

Oh, and saying that the Patriots aren't as dominant if you take Brady out of the equation is kind of like saying that the Bulls weren't as dominant if you took Jordan out of the equation! But Brady IS part of the equation, not to mention being the best player in the league, so you have to deal with him.

See...this is what I'm not so sure of. The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego. If you force the Pats to run, you are taking them out of their comfort zone...and in a sense, you win. Obviously, if you are fortunate to play the Pats in a wintry, blustery day, you probably wouldn't need to come out in a defense that I mentioned above. Mother nature would more than likely take Brady out of his zone...as was displayed against the Jets this past weekend.

Sounds like wishful thinking to me. Yesterday they looked like they were alright with running if they had to, and Maroney looks to be fresh (makes sense as little as he has been used this year). They are still 12 in run offense, not bad considering they are obviously 1st in the pass and as you point out don't want to run.

 

[Hanson Brother 4]

The Patriots would run all over the Jaguars (or anyone) if they came at them with that kind of defense.

Oh, and saying that the Patriots aren't as dominant if you take Brady out of the equation is kind of like saying that the Bulls weren't as dominant if you took Jordan out of the equation! But Brady IS part of the equation, not to mention being the best player in the league, so you have to deal with him.

See...this is what I'm not so sure of. The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego. If you force the Pats to run, you are taking them out of their comfort zone...and in a sense, you win. Obviously, if you are fortunate to play the Pats in a wintry, blustery day, you probably wouldn't need to come out in a defense that I mentioned above. Mother nature would more than likely take Brady out of his zone...as was displayed against the Jets this past weekend.

Kind of reminds me of a bit from Larry Bird's autobiography... the only time he didn't score in double figures in college was when the opposition decided that he was NOT going to be the one that beat them that night... they TRIPLE TEAMED him the entire game. He got an outrageous number of assists and Indiana State won in a blowout, but, dagnabbit, BIRD didn't beat 'em!

 

[Workhorse]

The Jags are intruiging for their offense but it's their defense that could be their undoing against the Pats.

25th in the league in passing yards allowed per game.

11th in the league in sacks.

Middle of the pack in yards allowed per play and opponents 3rd down percentage.

Not sure if the Jags defense is stout enough to handle the Patriots offense.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Titans fan here. I've been saying for about a month now that Jax has the best chance to go to NE and win. Especially if there is some sort of weather issue.

That is a game I'd like to see.

 

[Power Monster]

They do not have the horses to come from behind or to get into a shoot out w the Brady Bunch.......

 

[Brutis]

The Patriots would run all over the Jaguars (or anyone) if they came at them with that kind of defense.

Oh, and saying that the Patriots aren't as dominant if you take Brady out of the equation is kind of like saying that the Bulls weren't as dominant if you took Jordan out of the equation! But Brady IS part of the equation, not to mention being the best player in the league, so you have to deal with him.

See...this is what I'm not so sure of. The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego.

Thats a bunch of bologna. BB didnt look all distraught running maroney down the Jets throat yesterday.

 

[Colin Dowling]

They matchup well, but the Jags DE's don't seem like they'll do much to the pocket, which means eventually NE will score some points.

 

[AnonymousBob]

I think the Chargers have the best chance to beat the Patriots. LT did say they'd beat the Patriots 9 times outta 10, so they're about to rip off a 20 game winning streak vs. New England.

 

[freelander]

The JAGs can control the clock against them with Taylor and MJD, and Garrard won't make the mistakes Boller and Feeley made.

If they can shore up the pass defense (big IF I know), they have as good if not better shot than Indy IMO.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

The Patriots would run all over the Jaguars (or anyone) if they came at them with that kind of defense.

Oh, and saying that the Patriots aren't as dominant if you take Brady out of the equation is kind of like saying that the Bulls weren't as dominant if you took Jordan out of the equation! But Brady IS part of the equation, not to mention being the best player in the league, so you have to deal with him.

See...this is what I'm not so sure of. The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego.

Thats a bunch of bologna. BB didnt look all distraught running maroney down the Jets throat yesterday.

It happens in every thread. Right now NE is 11th in rushing attempts, 12 in rushing yards and 7th in rushing tds. They have more rushing yards than any of the 12 win teams: Indy, Dallas, the Packers.

 

[Footballg]

The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego

This must be why they call it the 'shark' pool..... Stop posting, plz.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

seymour is rounding into shape- don't really see anyone running wild on the pats if as he gets close or to 100%

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

They matchup well, but the Jags DE's don't seem like they'll do much to the pocket, which means eventually NE will score some points.

This is the key to the Jaguars even keeping close in a potential matchup. Our pass rush has been ineffective at times this season but the showing against Pittsburgh gives some hope that we can mount a substantial pass rush. Spicer has really been stong as of late and if Hayward/McCray step it up, we could see some good things. Our secondary is our weakness, Mathis not playing up to his billing and doesn't get much help over the top sometimes from the rookie Reggie Nelson. I love nelson to death and think he has made a huge impact thus far, but he often is lost/late in his coverage responsibilities. Part of the adjustment to the nfl. We've proven we can stop the run and if we tighten up in the secondary, we very well may be the most formidable opponent that New England could face. We can outlast them if we get them to run the ball more often.

 

[radiohead417]

The way I see it, any team could potentially beat New England in the playoffs if they attack as what they basically are - the 2005 Colts. Unbelievably explosive offense, but they can't do anything if they are sitting on the sidelines. Then get pressure on them when they are on the field.

Pittsburgh did it by going on a march on the opening drive and throwing Manning out of his rhythm by getting pressure.

I think any of the 5 current playoff teams (Indy, SD, Pit, Jax, Cle) have the tools on both sides of the ball to do this if they execute, and maybe get a little luck. Much easier said than done for certain.

Again, I don't think you have to just run, or just pass against New England, you just have to go on some long drives and not turn the ball over. Very different game yesterday between New England and the Jets if the Jets don't hand the Pats 14 points too.

Too many people are putting the Patriots on this invincible pedestal. They've played great, but so did the Vikings in 1998 and the Colts in 2005. Six teams make the playoffs in each conference, and I'd take the field over the Pats at this point just from sheer numbers.

 

[greenline]

The way I see it, any team could potentially beat New England in the playoffs if they attack as what they basically are - the 2005 Colts. Unbelievably explosive offense, but they can't do anything if they are sitting on the sidelines. Then get pressure on them when they are on the field.Pittsburgh did it by going on a march on the opening drive and throwing Manning out of his rhythm by getting pressure. I think any of the 5 current playoff teams (Indy, SD, Pit, Jax, Cle) have the tools on both sides of the ball to do this if they execute, and maybe get a little luck. Much easier said than done for certain. Again, I don't think you have to just run, or just pass against New England, you just have to go on some long drives and not turn the ball over. Very different game yesterday between New England and the Jets if the Jets don't hand the Pats 14 points too.Too many people are putting the Patriots on this invincible pedestal. They've played great, but so did the Vikings in 1998 and the Colts in 2005. Six teams make the playoffs in each conference, and I'd take the field over the Pats at this point just from sheer numbers.

well, they are not the 2005 Colts first of all. They can score on defense and special teams. Secondly, your sheer numbers of the field don't really hold as much weight considering they would only play one team from the NFC. The AFC is really only three other three other teams they can face since NE holds a first round bye. So their field is really four teams and that descreases to two if they win the divisional round. It's not as though they have to play 11 playoff bound teams.

 

[dudaman]

I think many would say that the Colts are probably the only team in the AFC that could realistically go into Foxboro in January and win, but what about the Jaguars? They have the things that are needed to be able to beat the Patriots:

-a great running game

-A QB who does not make many mistakes

-A great pass rush

-mentally tough

-well coached

once someone beats them, then we will know how to beat them. i'm sure it was said above, but this is the fact.

 

[radiohead417]

I don't have the 2005 stats in front of me, but I remember the Colts D that season being pretty good (don't know about scoring defense 100%, but I would think they scored a couple of times - pretty sure June scored at least one) and I know for sure they scored on a punt return against my team.As for the sheer number of teams - yes, the Pats need merely three playoff wins to win the championship. But who's to say those are easy? I'm just saying, if someone offers me Pats v. the field, I'm taking the field. They're beatable. Not saying they aren't the favorite, because they clearly are. Just saying they can be beat by any playoff squad.

The way I see it, any team could potentially beat New England in the playoffs if they attack as what they basically are - the 2005 Colts. Unbelievably explosive offense, but they can't do anything if they are sitting on the sidelines. Then get pressure on them when they are on the field.Pittsburgh did it by going on a march on the opening drive and throwing Manning out of his rhythm by getting pressure. I think any of the 5 current playoff teams (Indy, SD, Pit, Jax, Cle) have the tools on both sides of the ball to do this if they execute, and maybe get a little luck. Much easier said than done for certain. Again, I don't think you have to just run, or just pass against New England, you just have to go on some long drives and not turn the ball over. Very different game yesterday between New England and the Jets if the Jets don't hand the Pats 14 points too.Too many people are putting the Patriots on this invincible pedestal. They've played great, but so did the Vikings in 1998 and the Colts in 2005. Six teams make the playoffs in each conference, and I'd take the field over the Pats at this point just from sheer numbers.

well, they are not the 2005 Colts first of all. They can score on defense and special teams. Secondly, your sheer numbers of the field don't really hold as much weight considering they would only play one team from the NFC. The AFC is really only three other three other teams they can face since NE holds a first round bye. So their field is really four teams and that descreases to two if they win the divisional round. It's not as though they have to play 11 playoff bound teams.

 

[djcolts]

The Jags' defensive weakness is their secondary, which is why I don't think they are as great of a matchup against the Pats as some think. I think the best chance the Jags would have against the Pats is a big windstorm.

 

[Brutis]

I think many would say that the Colts are probably the only team in the AFC that could realistically go into Foxboro in January and win, but what about the Jaguars? They have the things that are needed to be able to beat the Patriots:

-a great running game

-A QB who does not make many mistakes

-A great pass rush

-mentally tough

-well coached

once someone beats them, then we will know how to beat them. i'm sure it was said above, but this is the fact.

The pats are beatable by alot of teams if they dont bring their A or B game. They havent lost yet because they havent brought their C game yet this year. Does that make sense? :(

 

[Anarchy99]

The 2005 Colts ranked #2 in both points scored and points allowed for a point differential of +192 points. The Pats are 1st in points scored and 4th in points allowed with a scoring differential of +291 points with two holes still to play on the back nine.

IMO, the way to beat them is the way IND was fortunate enough to beat them in the AFC title game . . . have the Pats catch the flu. That went a long way to NE allowing 32 second half points against the Colts.

 

[Warpig]

The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego

This must be why they call it the 'shark' pool..... Stop posting, plz.

Better idea...stop reading plz.

 

[twitch]

NE to this point has played 4 AFC playoff teams. San Diego, Cleveland, Indy and Pittsburgh. They won those games by a combined score of 130-64. They beat the NFC favorite of course in Dallas, 48-21. How anyone would want to take a field of teams that have been handled head to head over NE with this knowledge is about as silly a statement as Ive heard.

 

[Lash]

I have been saying for weeks that other than the Colts only JAX can beat NE

not saying it will happen, just that those two seem the only chance for a NE loss

they play like BAL except better in ALL phases and at most every position

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

NE to this point has played 4 AFC playoff teams. San Diego, Cleveland, Indy and Pittsburgh. They won those games by a combined score of 130-64. They beat the NFC favorite of course in Dallas, 48-21. How anyone would want to take a field of teams that have been handled head to head over NE with this knowledge is about as silly a statement as Ive heard.

This statement is true, I would also argue that the Chargers and Browns are much better now then they were when they faced the Pats early in the year. I can't say that is the case with the Pats. In no way would I say that the Bolts/Browns have a great chance of winning, just that I would expect the games to be more competetive.

 

[BelichicksRevenge]

The fact is that the Patriots won three super bowls playing smash mouth bad weather football. The defense is very good in bad weather. they are suspect against fast offenses but they are great defending smash mouth offenses which the jags are. Bad weather negates the great speed and that works in favor of their defense. seymour is starting to dominate again and the d is starting to pick it up.

Brady may not be as effective in the bad weather but he has proven that he knows how to win in bad weather. He has played in it with gloves and without and has never lost. Brady has proven he can win no matter what elements in plays in.

I think Jacksonville might be the third best team and could potentially give the pats a run for the money but the Pats have never really been beaten by a power running team. The D would force the QB to beat them. Garrard would have to prove he is an elite QB and Belichick would throw the kitchen sink at him in the form of disguised defenses. i have not seen enough of Garard to say for certain he would fail but my gut says he would have a lot of dificulty winning this game.

 

[BelichicksRevenge]

The Patriots would run all over the Jaguars (or anyone) if they came at them with that kind of defense.

Oh, and saying that the Patriots aren't as dominant if you take Brady out of the equation is kind of like saying that the Bulls weren't as dominant if you took Jordan out of the equation! But Brady IS part of the equation, not to mention being the best player in the league, so you have to deal with him.

See...this is what I'm not so sure of. The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego. If you force the Pats to run, you are taking them out of their comfort zone...and in a sense, you win. .

Mike Martz is not coaching the patriots. the Patriots throw because they can do it beter than running it. they have one of the best passing attacks in history. But they are not dumb. If you put 6 defensive backs out there , they will run. Look at this past week. The jets were standing guys up at the line of scrimage to disguise whicj guys would rush brady. the offensive line simply steamrolled these guys and ran the ball to counter this. Belichick is one of the best game coaches ever. All he wants to do is win. They will run if they think it gives them a better chance to win. Period.

 

[radiohead417]

Just simple math guys.Let's say the Pats are 75/25 favorites over all three playoff teams they'd eventually face..75*.75*.75 = .421875 (42.2%)So in order to like the Patriots over the field, you have to think they'd be better than 3-1 favorites over facing, let's say: 1. Jacksonville, 2. Indianapolis and 3. Dallas. That's just not the case. Again, I'm not saying ONE team has a better shot to win it all the the Patriots, I'm just saying the task of beating those three is pretty formidable for any team.Hey, but I'm just a hater because I haven't proclaimed Tom Brady is the greatest human being on planet earth, and that there's no way on earth Tedy Bruschi ever ever did roids.

NE to this point has played 4 AFC playoff teams. San Diego, Cleveland, Indy and Pittsburgh. They won those games by a combined score of 130-64. They beat the NFC favorite of course in Dallas, 48-21. How anyone would want to take a field of teams that have been handled head to head over NE with this knowledge is about as silly a statement as Ive heard.

 

[twitch]

Just simple math guys.Let's say the Pats are 75/25 favorites over all three playoff teams they'd eventually face..75*.75*.75 = .421875 (42.2%)So in order to like the Patriots over the field, you have to think they'd be better than 3-1 favorites over facing, let's say: 1. Jacksonville, 2. Indianapolis and 3. Dallas. That's just not the case. Again, I'm not saying ONE team has a better shot to win it all the the Patriots, I'm just saying the task of beating those three is pretty formidable for any team.Hey, but I'm just a hater because I haven't proclaimed Tom Brady is the greatest human being on planet earth, and that there's no way on earth Tedy Bruschi ever ever did roids.

NE to this point has played 4 AFC playoff teams. San Diego, Cleveland, Indy and Pittsburgh. They won those games by a combined score of 130-64. They beat the NFC favorite of course in Dallas, 48-21. How anyone would want to take a field of teams that have been handled head to head over NE with this knowledge is about as silly a statement as Ive heard.

Using a calculated formula to predict football games over human factors is missing the mark. Those %s arent factoring in homefield advantage and Superbowl experience. And we can all crunch #s. But I do appreciate the refresher. By the way, you wanna run those #s on the likelihood they'd be 14-0?

 

[Tanner9919]

I agree that outside of the Colts, they pose the best matchup. They dont have quite the same dangerous downfield passing threat that Indy has. So covering the entire field is much tougher against Indy. But NE will love to slug it out against these boys. And especially considering that theyve yet to play them, Im personally hoping for that matchup because Jacksonville is the only AFC playoff team NE is yet to beat. Nothing like earning it the old fashioned way. Beating every good team out there.

problem is, Bellichick is a master at attacking Qb's with little experience..I know Garrard has looked quite impressive, but, he won't know what hit him when/if he faces NE, so its imperative that the Jags run the ball well,and thankfully, Freddie Taylor looks GREAT!

 

[Blueb]

There is a popular theme out there that as soon as the Patriots play a strong team or a team with a strong running game in the playoffs, particularly in the presence of "wintry mix" (the new fashionable buzzword here at footballguys), they are done.To which I say: get real.The Jaguars made the long overdue decision to get rid of Leftwich, a monumental HACK, at the beginning of the season and it has paid dividends. However, people need to keep in mind that the wide receiving corps is still a collection of scrubs, but more importantly the coaching staff hasn't proved anything in terms of playoffs play-calling. I would recommend that interested parties consult Jacksonville's recent playoff history before concluding that the Patriots have anything to worry about as far as Jacksonville is concerned come playoff time.Have you noticed that the Patriots don't care if a runningback (or backs) rushes for 200 yards in a game? That's because yards don't equal points. The Patriots have been running bend don't break defense for years now, but some folks keep wanting to play the "NE can't defend the run" card. My bottom line is that here is a list of the likely playoff teams in order of how much of a challenge they present for the Patriots:1. Indy2. Bolts3. Steelers4. Browns5. JagsAs you can see, I don't think much of Del Rio, Mike Tice, etc.

My list looks something like this:1. Indy2. Jaguars3. Browns4. Bolts5. SteelersI agree with your thought that coaching matters in the playoffs. But then I don't understand how you have a Norv Turner team in 2nd place... Also, Steelers are overrated this year.It's nice to make lists and stuff, but realistically, the only team I'd be worried about if I were a Pats fan is the Colts. But I definitely would be worried about them.

 

[Wadsworth]

I don't think anyone matches up well with the Pats this season. As a Jags fans I'd love to get into this debate, but history as a Jags fan has taught me not to look too far ahead. Hopefully I'll be joining this debate in a few weeks, but right now the Raiders and a clinch are all I care about.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

My list looks something like this:

1. Indy

2. Jaguars

3. Browns

4. Bolts

5. Steelers

I agree with your thought that coaching matters in the playoffs. But then I don't understand how you have a Norv Turner team in 2nd place... Also, Steelers are overrated this year.

It's nice to make lists and stuff, but realistically, the only team I'd be worried about if I were a Pats fan is the Colts. But I definitely would be worried about them.

Touche. I guess I think SD is so talented that it takes a singular coaching effort to F it up (see Marty not giving the ball to LT versus NE in the playoffs last year). Plus SD has got to be singularly pissed after NE handed them their asses this year after stealing from them last year.I won't argue with you about the marginal nature of the challenge the steelers or browns would present, but San Diego is stacked with WAY more talent than Jax and the coaching is a push (perhaps a slight edge to Norv, shudder, vs Del Rio).

 

[Phlash]

seymour is rounding into shape- don't really see anyone running wild on the pats if as he gets close or to 100%

Yup, I was at the Jets game Sunday and he was finally looking like good 'ol Seymour. He was a friggin' beast that game, they couldn't do anything on his side of the line, and that beastly rush to force the bad throw on the goalline was classic Seymour.

 

[montanagold]

The Patriots would run all over the Jaguars (or anyone) if they came at them with that kind of defense.

Oh, and saying that the Patriots aren't as dominant if you take Brady out of the equation is kind of like saying that the Bulls weren't as dominant if you took Jordan out of the equation! But Brady IS part of the equation, not to mention being the best player in the league, so you have to deal with him.

See...this is what I'm not so sure of. The Pats don't want to run...they have too much of an ego. If you force the Pats to run, you are taking them out of their comfort zone...and in a sense, you win. Obviously, if you are fortunate to play the Pats in a wintry, blustery day, you probably wouldn't need to come out in a defense that I mentioned above. Mother nature would more than likely take Brady out of his zone...as was displayed against the Jets this past weekend.

And at no point was New England in any danger of losing or behind in the Jets game.Sure, any team could beat the Pats if everything fell into place. But how is JAX constructed all that differently than PIT? NE BLEW OUT the Jags a couple years ago in the playoffs in Foxboro. I doubt people would suggest that the 07 Pats are worse than the 05 pats.

The jags are constructed very differently! I think they have a great shot. 2 game breaking RB's that both bring a nice load capable of hitting a HR anytime. A QB that is playing very efficient ball. A nice stout line... and BIG BIG WR's capable of pass blocking and punishing the secondary with their size. The patriots D has some play makers... and I think throwing underneath to big targets ( curl routes ) and letting them shift their weight around is the way to go.We aren't even talking about the defense.. which is solid. But, I'd let NE run... as was said.. invite them too to the point that I'm negotiating. Make them call my bluff. Send sunshine up Brady's butt... and do whatever it takes to make him find other playmakers. Take away the HR.. make them play a game of inches. I think Jacksonville matches up better than anyone else other than maybe Indy!

 

[zoonation]

NE to this point has played 4 AFC playoff teams. San Diego, Cleveland, Indy and Pittsburgh. They won those games by a combined score of 130-64. They beat the NFC favorite of course in Dallas, 48-21. How anyone would want to take a field of teams that have been handled head to head over NE with this knowledge is about as silly a statement as Ive heard.

this is terrible reasoning. while NE would certainly be favoured, I think every one of these teams could possibly beat NE on any given Sunday. Just because they lost one game doesn't mean they have no chance.NE has looked beatable several times this year. If they get the Chargers again I think LT and co. run the ball all day.Having said the foregoing, I think NE probably wins the Superbowl.

 

[Footballg]

If they get the Chargers again I think LT and co. run the ball all day.

Yeah, I think I've heard this tune somewhere before.....I have noticed something when people talk about playing the Pats --- it's always about what's going to happen in their imagination.

 

[Bill Lust]

seymour is rounding into shape- don't really see anyone running wild on the pats if as he gets close or to 100%

Seymour has another four weeks to get up to speed for the playoffs. If he is healthy he can raise the level of the Pats' defense by himself because of the double teams he draws.

 

[Bill Lust]

Other than the Colts the Jags scare me the most. They manhandled the Steelers yesterday. It should not have been that close.

 

[Footballg]

Yeah, and the Pats stomped the Steelers. Pats would torch the Jags.

 

[gregjcross]

Other than the Colts the Jags scare me the most. They manhandled the Steelers yesterday. It should not have been that close.

The Jags secondary will tell the tale. Rashean Mathis is pretty much a stud. So is Reggie Nelso although just a rookie. Sammy knight broke up a TON of passes yesterday, NFL.com showed like 5 during the game, they must be doing something right. They can move the ball on offense and involve all of their players (MJD/Taylor then R.Williams/Northcutt, Wilford)

 

[Footballg]

Hey --- I'm not saying that because the Jags suck. They'd be about the only team I'd give a chance to unseat the Colts --- but, not the Pats...

 

[Bill Lust]

Yeah, and the Pats stomped the Steelers. Pats would torch the Jags.

I don't think it's that easy. If they play and the weather in Foxboro is like it was yesterday, the Jags get a big boost.